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RefNoMA/28
Previous numbersMA.28
LevelItem
TitleLetter from Richard Deakin, 85 Via del Babuino, Rome, to John David Roberton, Royal Society, Somerset House, London
CreatorDeakin; Richard (1808-1873); British physician and botanist
Date4 January 1842
DescriptionEnclosing a copy of his [meteorological] observations made in Rome, for any use that Roberton may think applicable. They are at the service of the Editor of the Athenaeum. Deakin has collected observations in Naples, Rome, Florence Genoa, Turin, Milan, Venice and Modena and thinks that these places south of the Alps will provide interesting information 'as to the laws regulating the atmosphere'. He will find some opportunity of sending them to Roberton at the end of winter. He asks Roberton for information on any instrument able to measure the electrical state of the atmosphere and offers to help any department of the [Royal] Society from that part of Europe. He gives directions for material to be forwarded to him.

With three tables of observations. The first, headed [p.1]: 'Meteorological observations made in Rome November 1841 by R. Deakin M.D.' has columns for: the day of the month [1-30 November 1842]; thermometer readings at 9.00am and 9.00pm with maximum day temperature and minimum night temperature; barometer readings, with attached thermometer readings, and direction of the wind at 9.00am, 3.00pm and 9.00pm; rainfall and general remarks. The second table [p.2] is headed: 'December 1841' and contains the same information, with the addition of a column for 'Black bulbed thermometer exposed to Sun'. The third table [p.3] is headed: 'Hourly observations made at Rome commencing at 6 o'clock A.M., of the 21st of December and ended at 11 o'clock p.m. of the 22nd by R. Deakin M.D.' [Winter solstice]. This has columns for the hour, barometer and attached thermometer, external thermometer, difference between wet and dry bulbs, dew point, wind direction and general remarks.

There is a note [p.2] on comparisons between the Royal Society's standard barometer, Newman's, flint glass, crown glass and attached thermometer, with Deakin's instrument. The letter is endorsed [p.4]: 'Meteorological Obs. Rome 1841'. The letter has been sealed with red wax, in a design with a profile of Sir Isaaac Newton, and a comet.
Extent4p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
Dimensions233x191mm.
AccessStatusOpen
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